That is the stark warning from residents about the increasingly dangerous use of a cycle path in Winchester.

More cyclists than ever are racing down the track and into the path of cars backing out of their drives in Badger Farm.

John O’Leary, of Rances Way, said: “They come downhill at 30mph. Drivers can’t see anything. The cyclists pass in front of the car. One missed me by six inches.

“If he had hit the side of the car he would have been severely injured and could have been killed. Someone is going to be killed.

“The county council agree it is dangerous but they are not going to do anything about it. They won’t even put signs up to say ‘cyclists slow down’.”

Mr O’Leary said the council proposed a barrier, but that would stop contractors getting access to cut the grass so it was rejected. He since suggested a raised kerb to remind cyclists they do not have the right of way.

“The council are spending thousands on new cycle paths and they won’t spend a small amount to stop someone being seriously injured. We are encouraging cyclists but this situation is highly dangerous,” he said.

He said lots of schoolchildren walk up the path from Stanmore Lane onto Badger Farm and frequently meet cyclists coming downhill at 20-30mph.

Emma Holland, a concerned parent also of Rances Way, said she is disappointed that the council are not doing more to help, and thinks they could split the path in half – one side for cyclists, the other for pedestrians.

She said: “I have got three boys, two of them school age, and I am very concerned especially when they walk in front of me to the top of the path.

“I don’t want anybody to get hurt.

“Quite a few motorcyclists go on the path as well. I couldn’t believe it when I saw them. They are allowed to go along the path, I think it was once an emergency exit, but it’s a foot path so I am concerned.”